Heather Lindstrom 4/1/15 Heather Lindstrom 4/1/15

A Walk Down Memory Lane in Barcelona at Azul-Tierra

It was one of those moments, and I can still see it in my mind’s eye: moody lighting, rich, warm, worldly scents, flickering candles and eye-catching objects of desire. I return to that moment often in my mind, it’s the perfect escape. Have you ever visited a place that just sticks with you in a completely sensory way? If you close your eyes you can conjure up the fragrance, the quality of light, the sultry temperature, the whole mood of a place.

A walk down memory Lane

It was one of those moments, and I can still see it in my mind's eye: moody lighting, rich, warm, worldly scents, flickering candles and eye-catching objects of desire. I return to that moment often in my mind, it's the perfect escape. Have you ever visited a place that just sticks with you in a completely sensory way? If you close your eyes you can conjure up the fragrance, the quality of light, the sultry temperature, the whole mood of a place.

During our first trip to Barcelona in 2006, Scott and I were on one of our meandering city walks. We happened upon an open doorway where over-sized sculptural plants stood guard. A peek inside revealed moody lighting, burning candles, a woodsy-citrus fragrance and magnificent floral arrangements. As we entered and our eyes adjusted to the dim light, we felt as though we were transported to another place in time. I remember feeling like it was a mood I wanted to bottle and take home with me. After absorbing the ambient beauty and pouring over the wares, we chose a silver salt-cellar to remember the moment.

A walk down memory lane at Azul-Tierra Barcelona and the salt cellar we discovered

Our salt cellar...the perfect souvenir of our trip.

Front Entrance to Azul Tierra Barcelona on Stylemindchic Lifestyle

Years later, while rummaging through my stack of business cards, I was happy to find that I had picked up one that day. I hadn't been able to recall the name of the place and had exhausted my best guesses on Google. Finally, I was able to revisit my sensory experience in Barcelona, online, at Azul-Tierra.

Azul Tierra Barcelona Front entrance on Stylemindchic Lifestyle

Fast forward to last summer... Scott and I ended our trip to Portugal and Spain with a few days in Barcelona. We had hoped to revisit Azul-Tierra and bring home another memento. We set out in our rental car, loaded with GPS, but couldn't find it. Scott refused to give up, which surprised me, and eventually he found it on his mobile with a new address! We again arrived on foot, but at the new location. It was larger,with more of an interior design studio feel, still having the same global, ambient vibe and fragrance.

A walk down memory lane at Azul Tierra in Barcelona on Stylemindchic Lifestyle Blog- new friends

Azul Tierra Barcelona and global details and embellishments

A Walk Down Memory Lane on Stylemindchic at Azul Tierra Barcelona

As we nosed around, I was again seeking a memento of our trip. I was browsing through the candle collection when a gentleman asked if I needed help. I turned and recognized him from the website as the owner and creator of Azul-Tierra, Tony Espuch. How fun that upon my return, eight years later, I would meet the mastermind of Azul-Tierra as he was offering me a candle!

Heather Lindstrom and Tony Espuch of Azul Tierra Barcelona

Chandelier at Azul Tierra on a walk down memory lane in Barcelona

Yellow chairs and bright colors at Azul Tierra and a walk down memory lane in Barcelona

Heather Lindstrom of Stylemindchic Lifestyle at Tierra Azul and a walk down memory lane in Barcelona

Tony's lovely assistant, Maribel, showed me some of the recent projects completed by Tony and his team. They are captivating. He has designed hotels, restaurants, shops and private homes in Spain, United Kingdom, Italy, France and Tunisia. His motivation "...the challenge of creating other worlds." Tony, you had me at my first step through the doorway in 2006. I felt transported to another world and came back for more.

Enter

Azul-Tierra

"Hey there, gorgeous! Wanna hang-out?"

(at least I think that's what he's saying)

For more on our travel to Lisbon, Algarve, Seville, San Sebastian and Barcelona.

There is something satisfying about reliving a sensory memory.

When was the last time you retraced your steps with a walk down memory lane?

Heather Lindstrom 12/15/14 Heather Lindstrom 12/15/14

Curated Hotel: The Chic H-10 Port Vell in Barcelona

Our getaway to Barcelona was the last stop on our three-week vacation to Portugal and Spain. This was our second time visiting Barcelona, and though our time was short, Scott and I were looking forward to getting better acquainted with this culturally vibrant, sexy city.

H10 Port Vell Barcelona on Stylemindchic lifestyle

We were off to a good start as we arrived at the H10 Port Vell. We were warmly welcomed, with huge smiles and a glass of bubbly, by the handsome staff. Upon arriving at our suite we were happy to see a beautiful view of the harbor, and all the amenities weary travelers could hope for. A hip, modern suite with plush robes, luxury linens, an espresso machine, chocolates, a welcome note and a bottle of champagne.

We selected the H10 Port Vell, for several reasons. One is that I am a sucker for a rooftop lounge, especially one with a refreshing pool, like this one. I also love clean, modern furnishings and sleek design. The H10 brand has all the details in place to provide creature comforts to travelers with a fresh twist.

With a perfectly appointed suite, a bottle of bubbly and this view from the rooftop lounge, we considered staying 'in' for the rest of our holiday, but our adventurous spirit prevailed.

Another reason we chose the H10 Port Vell is that it's located right next door to the Gothic Quarter, Barri Gotic. On our previous visit to Barcelona, in 2006, we discovered Barri Gotic on our last evening. We were enamoured with the seductive labyrinth of walkways, ancient gothic architecture and quintessential tapas bars spilling out into the alley ways.

This is the perfect place to meander away from the boulevards and lose yourself. Brimming with boutiques, galleries, cafes and tapas bars around every turn, you are certain to find a hidden gem, or several.

We enjoyed Casa Pascual for cafe style tapas and friendly service. The bites and sangria were authentic and it was only steps from our hotel. The location is good for exploring both the harbor and Barri Gotic. On our previous visit we enjoyed an exquisite meal at Comerc 24 where we dined on gold dust, the first, and only, time in our lives (It's delicious!;).

Viewing the whimsical, organic architecture of Antoni Gaudi is a must in Barcelona. His use of natural forms, like stone and shades of color, with mosaic tiles, is legendary. A Gaudi walking tour from Trip Advisor, a definite must for our next visit to Barcelona here.

Another must see while in Spain is the Flamenco Dance.

Never before, or since, have we witnessed dance that exuded this much fiery passion: sexy, sultry and fluid. It will make you want to get up and dance, I promise. Not a bad way to spend a colorful night on the town in Barcelona.

If afternoons spent lollygagging around on the rooftop lounge, and nights at Flamenco, start to look too 'glamorous', I have the flip side of that perspective. Just moments after this photo of Scott and I was taken, at an outdoor tapas restaurant, I adjusted my chair backwards. The chair leg went into the flowerbed and I ended up falling backwards in the chair, flat on my back, with my legs in the air and my skirt over my head! That was way too much 'information' for the fellow diners to digest during lunch, and then, I couldn't stop laughing. Enough said. Travel isn't always as glamorous as it may appear, but it's always an adventure!

And more proof of why a rooftop lounge, with a pool, is one of the best inventions ever. These 'lounge lizard' images, taken at the B Hotel during our first stay in Barcelona, July of 2006. This was an unforgettable afternoon of relaxation during another busy travel itinerary.